Celestial object location device

ABSTRACT

A hand-held electronic celestial object-locating device assists in identifying a celestial object or directing a user to a desired celestial object. The device is useful for locating or identifying any celestial object including stars, constellations, planets, comets, asteroids, artificial satellites, and deep sky objects to name a few. The device utilizes sensors for 3-axis magnetic field and 3-axis gravitational field detection. The device utilizes a processor and an electronic database to perform the required calculations. The device&#39;s database may be updated through access to the Internet through which the updates may be purchased.

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No.10/444,788, filed May 23, 2003, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S.application Ser. No. 10/115,410, filed Apr. 2, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No.6,570,506, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No.09/511,400, filed Feb. 23, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,366,212, whichclaims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/122,711, filedMar. 3, 1999.

FIELD OF THE INVENTIONS

This invention relates to astronomy, specifically to an electronicdevice capable of locating and identifying celestial objects.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONS

People have always been fascinated with the heavens. They have beencited for the origins of the universe and life. Stars and constellationsare the basis of fables, myths, and stories in almost every culture onthe earth. The stars are used as indicators of peoples' future by some.Sailors and other travelers rely on certain stars and constellations asindicators of position and direction. Further, there is an enormousamount of professional and hobbyist interest in the stars.

Both professionals and hobbyists use celestial object identifyingdevices to locate a star, constellation, planet, comet, asteroid,artificial satellite, deep sky object or other heavenly objects, whichshall be referred to collectively as celestial objects. Some existingcelestial object identifying devices function by using a combination ofmechanical electrical or pre-tabulated charts or tables.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,863,365 to Moliard discloses a method which uses a flatspinning disc that contains a pictorial representation of a celestialhemisphere containing constellations and stars. The user must rotate thedisc to the current time and date, and then orient himself or herselfwith the proper compass direction. Identification of a celestial objectis attempted by the user comparing the sky with the celestial hemispherepictorial representation. This method proves rather difficult to locatea celestial object, in that the sky and the pictorial representation ofthe celestial hemisphere are two different scales. Additionally, thedisc contains a flattened perspective of the celestial hemisphere makingit difficult to judge at what angle of declination one would locate thedesired celestial object. Further, the sky contains many more celestialobjects than the pictorial representation can possibly contain, makingit difficult to determine which pattern of stars on the pictorialrepresentation corresponds to a particular region of the sky.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,704,653 to Lee discloses a pictorial representation ofthe celestial hemisphere in which is incorporated an electronic compass.The electronic compass identifies which region of the sky the operatorof the Lee device is facing. The compass assists in pointing to theapproximate azimuth of the celestial object. However, the task ofdetermining the proper declination, and performing a mental translationfrom a set of maps, to the particular region of the sky one isobserving, is still handled unaided by the operator. This leaves most ofthe work in locating a celestial object to the operator.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,938,697 to Mayer contains a somewhat clumsy andcomplicated mechanical method of directly observing a region of the skywithout a map. It requires a good deal of understanding of the devicesworkings to obtain any success. In addition, it can only locate astar-group or constellation.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,970,793 to Atamian contains a method for location ofstars and constellations, yet it requires manual alignment of a sphereoriented with the sky to work properly. It also has the same scaledifference problem mentioned above in regard to U.S. Pat. No. 3,863,365and leaves much ambiguity in observing heavenly bodies.

Thus, there is a need for a more user-friendly device to locatecelestial objects.

SUMMARY

An improved celestial object-locating device has been discovered. In anaspect of the invention, a device allows a user to point the device at acelestial object and the device announces to the user of the celestialobject's identity. In another aspect of the invention, the user directsthe device to find a desired celestial object. This is done through aview port and the instrument detects the geographical location orposition of the user, the time, and the azimuth and nadir of thedirection of the view port automatically, resulting in a simple to usecelestial object location device. Other embodiments of the inventioncomprise combinations of the above aspects. These aspects of theinvention eliminate the disadvantages of the prior art concerning scaleand translation from a celestial map. Further, in an aspect of theinvention, the device is hand-held or attached to a computational devicesuch that the device is portable.

In an aspect of the invention, a celestial object location (COL) devicefor viewing from a location at a time and a date comprises a means forviewing an object (a viewing means), a processor, a 3-axis magneticsensor, a 3-axis gravitational sensor, a location means, a time means,and a database. The viewing means assists a user of the COL device inobserving along a viewing axis defined by an azimuth angle and a nadirangle. The 3-axis magnetic sensor is adapted to provide the processorwith azimuth data representing the azimuth angle. The 3-axisgravitational sensor is adapted to provide the processor with nadir datarepresenting the nadir angle. The location means provides location datarepresenting the location to the processor. The time means provides timeand date data representing the time and date to the processor. Thedatabase is adapted to be accessed by the processor and provide datasuch that the processor determines celestial coordinates of rightascension and declination corresponding to the viewing axis based on theazimuth data, the nadir data, the location data, and the time and datedata.

In a further aspect of the invention, the viewing means comprises aviewing channel adapted to enable a user to observe through the devicealong the viewing axis.

In a further aspect of the invention, there is a direction indicatoradapted to announce directions to change the angular orientation viewingaxis, wherein the direction indicator is further adapted to becontrolled by the processor and comprises a visual indicator, anauditory indicator, or a tactile indicator.

In a still further aspect of the invention, the direction indicator isadapted to be controlled by the processor, comprises an illuminate-ablevisual display that is viewable by the user when the user is observingthrough the viewing channel, and is adapted to illuminate at least aportion of the visual display such that a user changes the viewing axisbased on the illuminated visual display. The visual display may be acircularly arranged series of illuminate-able arrows, wherein theprocessor and the arrows are adapted such that the processor directs aleast a portion of the arrows to be illuminated.

In an aspect of the invention, a reticule is present and adapted to beviewable by the user when the user is observing through the viewingchannel.

In an aspect of the invention, the viewing means comprises a displayscreen adapted to display an image observed along the viewing axis.Furthermore, there may be a direction indicator adapted to announcedirections to change the angular orientation viewing axis, wherein thedirection indicator is further adapted to be controlled by the processorand comprises a visual indicator, an auditory indicator, or a tactileindicator.

In an aspect of the invention, the device comprises a housing andwherein the viewing means comprises a viewing channel extending throughthe housing and adapted to permit a user to observe through the viewingchannel along the viewing axis. In a further aspect of the invention,the processor is spaced apart from the housing. In an additional aspectof the invention, the housing is adapted to be held by the user whilethe user is observing through the viewing channel.

In a further aspect of the invention the COL device comprises adirection indicator adapted to announce directions to change the angularorientation of the viewing axis, wherein the direction indication isfurther adapted to be controlled by the processor and comprises a visualindicator, an auditory indicator, or a tactile indicator. This COLdevice may further comprise a user interface adapted for the user toinput an identification of a celestial object or celestial coordinatesto the processor. Additionally, the processor and the database isadapted such that the processor directs the user via the directionindicator to change the angular orientation of the viewing axis suchthat the viewing axis is aligned with the celestial object or thecelestial coordinates, wherein the data base comprises data associatingthe identification of the celestial object with the celestial object'scelestial coordinates.

In still further aspects of the invention, the processor is adapted toannounce to the user via the direction indicator that the viewing axisis aligned with the celestial object or the celestial coordinates.Additionally, the user interface may be adapted for the user to input anidentification of a celestial object comprising multiple celestialcoordinates. In this case, the processor and the database is adaptedsuch that the processor directs the user via the direction indicator tochange the angular orientation of the viewing axis such that the viewingaxis is serially aligned with the multiple celestial coordinates of thecelestial object, thereby the user is provided with a tour of thecelestial object. In a still further aspect of the invention, the userinterface is adapted for the user to input a signal to the processor todirect the user via the direction indicator to change the angularorientation of the viewing axis from a current celestial coordinate to anext multiple celestial coordinate.

In a further aspect of the invention, there is a user interface adaptedfor the user to signal to the processor to identify a celestial objector celestial coordinates aligned with the viewing axis, wherein thedatabase is adapted for the processor to access the database for datarelated to the celestial object or the celestial coordinates. The userinterface is further adapted to announce to the user the celestialobject or the celestial coordinates. In a still further aspect of theinvention, the user interface is adapted for the user to signal to theprocessor through activating a manual switch or through an auditorycommand, and for the processor to announce to the user through a visualdisplay or a speaker.

In a further aspect of the invention, the database is adapted to bechanged by the user editing the database through a user interface of thedevice in functional communication with the processor, a plug-in moduleadapted to be in functional communication with the processor, or aninformation transfer system adapted to be in functional communicationwith the processor.

In an aspect of the invention, the location means comprises a userinterface adapted for the user to input location information to theprocessor, wherein the database is adapted to provide the processor withthe location data based on the inputted location information.

In an aspect of the invention, the time means comprises a time keepingdevice adapted to provide the time and date data to the processor.

In an aspect of the invention, the location means and the time meanscomprises a global positioning device adapted to provide the locationdata and the time and date data to the processor.

In an aspect of the invention, there is an output device for announcingthe elevation angle of the viewing axis, wherein the elevation angle isnadir angle minus 90 degrees. In an aspect of the invention, there is anoutput device for announcing a compass heading as a function of theazimuth angle and the nadir angle.

In an aspect of the invention, there are compensation instructionsreadable by the processor and/or compensation data in the database suchthat the processor compensates for procession, earth elongation,magnetic variation, parallax, nutation, or a combination thereof.

In an aspect of the invention, there is a temperature sensor adapted tointerface with and enable the processor to make thermal errorcompensations of the magnetic and gravitational sensors.

In an aspect of the invention, the database contains additional datarepresenting when a celestial object is visible to a naked eye at thelocation, the device further comprises an announcement devicefunctionally connected to the processor, and the processor is adapted toannounce through the announcement device the additional datarepresenting when the celestial object is visible to a user at thelocation. In an aspect of the invention, there is a celestial objectlocation device for use from a location at a time and a date comprising:

-   -   a. a housing comprising a viewing channel adapted for a user to        observe through the viewing channel and along a viewing axis to        a position in the sky aligned with the viewing axis, wherein the        housing is adapted to be held by the user while the user is        observing through the viewing channel;    -   b. a processor;    -   c. a 3-axis magnetic sensor adapted to provide the processor        with azimuth data representing an azimuth angle of the viewing        axis;    -   d. a 3-axis gravitational sensor adapted to provide the        processor with nadir data representing a nadir angle of the        viewing axis;    -   e. a location data input device adapted to provide the processor        with location data representing the location of the celestial        object location device;    -   f. a time data input device adapted to provide the processor        with time and date data representing the time and date of a use        of the device;    -   g. a user interface for inputting user data to the processor and        announcing information to the user;    -   h. a direction indicator adapted for the processor to announce        through the direction indicator to the user directions for        changing the angular orientation of the viewing axis;    -   and    -   1. a database adapted to be accessed by the processor such that        the processor, based on the azimuth data, the nadir angle, the        location data, the time and date data, the user data, and the        database, announces to the user:    -   i) through the user interface an identification of a celestial        object aligned with the viewing axis;    -   ii) through the user interface celestial coordinates aligned        with the viewing axis; or    -   iii) through the direction indicator directions for the user to        change the viewing axis based on user data comprising        identification of a celestial object or a celestial coordinate.

In a further aspect of the invention, the processor is spaced apart fromthe housing.

In a further aspect of the invention, the direction indicator comprisesa circularly arranged series of illuminate-able arrows that are infunctional communication with the processor, the arrows being adaptedsuch that illuminated arrows are visible by the user observing throughthe viewing channel, and the direction indicator and the processor areadapted to illuminate at least a portion of the arrows such that a userchanges the angular orientation of the viewing axis based on theilluminated portion of the arrows.

In a further aspect of the invention, the database is, adapted to bechanged by the user editing the database through the user interface, aplug-in module adapted to be in functional communication with theprocessor, or an information transfer system adapted to be in functionalcommunication with the processor.

In an aspect of the invention, there is a process for observingcelestial objects comprising the steps of:

-   -   a. providing a user with a device for observing the celestial        objects along a viewing axis;    -   b. identifying an azimuth angle of the viewing axis via a 3-axis        magnetic sensor adapted to determine the azimuth angle;    -   c. identifying a nadir angle of the viewing axis via a 3-axis        gravitational sensor adapted to determine the nadir angle; and    -   d. determining celestial coordinates of right ascension and        declination based on the azimuth angle, the nadir angle, a        location of the device, and a current time and date.

In a further aspect of the invention, the providing step furthercomprises a step of holding the device, the 3-axis magnetic sensor, andthe 3-axis gravitational sensor in a hand of the user. In a stillfurther aspect of the invention, the 3-axis magnetic sensor and the3-axis gravitational sensor are integral to the device.

In a further aspect of the invention, there is a step of directing aprocessor to receive data representing the azimuth angle, the nadirangle, the device location, and the current time and date, consult adatabase, and announce, the celestial coordinates via an announcementdevice.

In a further aspect of the invention, there is the step of inputting toa processor an identification of a desired celestial object wherein theprocessor is also directed to perform the determining the celestialcoordinates step. Further, there is a step of directing the processor toannounce, via a direction indicator, instructions understandable to theuser concerning how to change the angular orientation of the viewingaxis until the desired celestial object is aligned with the viewingaxis. In a still further aspect of the invention, there is the step ofrepeating the directing the processor to announce step such that theuser is instructed to tour through portions of the desired celestialobject.

In a further aspect of the invention, there is the step of inputting toa processor a desired celestial coordinate wherein the processor is alsodirected to perform the determining the celestial coordinates step.There is also the step of directing the processor to announce via adirection indicator instructions concerning how to change the angularorientation of the viewing axis until the desired celestial coordinateis aligned with the viewing axis.

In an aspect of the invention, a process of observing a celestial objectcomprises the step of providing an embodiment of the invention describedin this disclosure and the step of updating the database with additionaldata concerning the celestial object such that a user of the devicedirects the processor to announce the directions to change the angularorientation of the viewing axis such that the viewing axis is alignedwith the celestial object via the direction indicator. In a furtheraspect of the invention, the updating step comprises, the step offunctionally connecting a plug-in module comprising the additional datato the device or the step of downloading the additional data to thedatabase via an information transfer system. The downloading step maycomprise the step of accessing the Internet to retrieve the additionaldata. Further, the accessing step comprises the step of purchasing theadditional data.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a user identifying a celestialobject with a device according to an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a detail perspective view of the device shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a view through the device shown in FIG. 1 while observing acelestial object.

FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of the components of the deviceshown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a schematic view of an embodiment of the inventionincorporating a digital personal assistant.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the figures, wherein like reference numerals refer tolike elements throughout the figures, and specifically to FIG. 1, acelestial object location device (COL device) 10 is being used by a user12 to locate a celestial object 14. The COL device 10, according to theshown and a preferred embodiment of the invention, has a generallycylindrical housing 16 adapted to be hand-held. Other embodiments of theinvention may have housings of other shapes and may or may not behand-held. Non-limiting examples of such embodiments naturally includetelescopes, binoculars, eyepieces, headpieces, and any means for viewingobjects. The celestial object location device may also be placed in awireless telephone, a cellular telephone, two-way radio or other meansfor communication. Thus, different embodiments of the object locationdevice can themselves magnify distant objects. In the case of aheadpiece, a retinal location sensing device can be used to furtherdetermine in what direction the user's eye is pointed. Thus, the usercan simply look at an object and the object locator will then identifywhat the user is looking at.

The housing 16 of the COL device 10 has a first view port 18 that isheld proximate to the user 12 and a second view port 20 proximate to thecelestial object 14. During use, the view ports 18 and 20 are alignedbetween the user 12 and the celestial object 14 and the COL device 10 isadapted such that the user views the celestial object through the COLdevice along a viewing axis 34.

Other embodiments of the invention may have an optical sensor that ispositioned to view the celestial object 14 and transmit an image fromthe optical sensor to a view screen such that the user observes theimage on the screen (not shown). In further embodiments of theinvention, the COL device 10 is mounted to a support or a frame and isadapted to be positioned mechanically, electronically, pneumatically, orby some other suitable means other than by direct manual manipulation(not shown). The positioning of the mounted COL device 10 may bedirected by the user through switches, by a functionally integratedcomputational device, or a combination of both. Still furtherembodiments of the invention may have the COL device 10 mounted to asupport or a frame and may be positioned through direct manualmanipulation, thereby providing stability to the device (not shown).

Referring now to FIG. 2, the COL device 10 comprises the housing 16, theview ports 18 and 20, and a data input/output interface (IOI) 30, and aviewing button or switch 32. (Although the switch 32 is shown on thebottom of the device towards the proximal end of the device (the portionof the device closest to the user), the switch may be disposed anywhereon the housing. Preferably, the switch 32 is disposed on the top of thedevice relative to the interface so that a user's fingers may easilypress the switch when a user is holding the device.) A viewing axis 34is shown extending axially through the cylindrical housing 16. The IOI30 is comprised of a display screen 36 for displaying data, such as inthe form of menus and results, as explained further below. The IOI 30also comprises a plurality of buttons or switches 38 for inputting dataand commands, such as moving through menus on the display screen 36 andinputting queries. The viewing switch 32 is positioned and adapted to beeasily activated by the user's thumb or finger when the user isobserving through the COL device 10.

One use for the button or switch 32 is to store the orientation of thedevice and then perform another function. For example, the user maysight an object of interest through the viewing channel and then depressthe button (or actuates the switch) to inform the device to store thecurrent orientation of the device. Next, the user rotates, twists orotherwise changes the orientation of the device into a position suchthat the user is no longer viewing the object through the sightingchannel, but viewing a display mounted on the device. The device detectsthis change of position and then displays information about the objectof interest on the display.

Referring now to FIG. 3, the COL device 10 is shown displaying the viewthe user has when the celestial object 14 is aligned with the viewingaxis 34 of the device 10. The user 12 is observing the object 14 througha viewing channel 46 that extends through the COL device 10. The viewingchannel 46 is defined by an interior surface 48 of the housing 16 in theshown embodiment. Further, the viewing channel 46 is bounded by the viewports 18 and 20.

Shown extending from the left side of the housing 16 is the IOI 30 andshown extending from the bottom of the housing is switch 32. Otherembodiments of the invention may have other configurations of the IOI 30and the switch 32.

Referring now to a viewing portion 40 of the COL device 10, a circularlyarranged series of illuminating directional arrows 42 are positionedadjacent to the interior surface 48 of the housing 16. The arrows 42 areilluminated as required to direct the positioning of the COL device 10during use. Eight arrows 42 are shown but other embodiments of theinvention may have more or less arrows. The size, shape, and number ofthe illuminating arrows 42 are not paramount to the function performed.Though there is a way for the COL device 10 to inform the user 12 of arequired change in viewing axis to align the device with a particularlocation in the sky and, therefore, the arrows 42 are directionindicators. There are many variations on color and shape of thedirection indicators as well. The illumination of the arrows 42 may beaccomplished by any suitable means, such as by LEDs or by fiber optics.In an embodiment of the invention, the arrows are not an overlaid image.Other embodiments of the invention may have other suitable ways ofinforming the user how to direct the COL device 10, such as withilluminating dots or borders.

Embodiments of the invention have many variations on the operation ofthe arrows 42 or other suitable direction indicators. In embodiments ofthe invention, the arrows 42 blink at different rates, change color, orintensity depending on how far the user 12 has to angularly change, theviewing axis 34. For example, if the user 12 is very close to thedesired viewing axis position, the arrow or arrows 42 blink quickly andif the user were further away the arrow or arrows 42 may blink slowly.Other embodiments of the invention may use tactile, such as vibrational,or auditory means for announcing direction.

In another embodiment of the invention, once the viewing axis 34 isaligned with the desired celestial object 14, the arrows 42 may alllight up, blink or light up and remain lighted for a few moments. Stillother embodiments of the invention may have devices that announcevisually, tactilely, or auditorily when the desired angular position ofthe COL device 10 is achieved, such as sounding a beep or synthesizedvoice. The arrows, LEDs, tactile, visual and auditory feedback are allmeans for prompting the user to change the orientation of the objectlocator (or of the means for viewing).

A reticule 44 is centrally positioned in the viewing portion 40. Thereticule 44 is helpful in centering the COL device 10 on the celestialobject 14. Other embodiments of the invention may have other reticule orcross-hair designs or not have any means for centering the celestialobject 14. In still other embodiments of the invention, the reticule 44may be used to announce achievement of a desired angular position eitherby illuminating with more intensity, ceasing illumination, or flashing.

In addition, the device may be provided with physical sights, such astwo or more concentric sighting rings or ring sights. The rings aredisposed in parallel planes that are orthogonal to the viewing channelof the device. Thus, each ring is separated by a longitudinal distancealong the viewing channel. The ring sights are etched into lenses in thedevice, though the ring sights may be physical rings. (Physical ringsmay be made of any suitable material, such as metal or plastic, and maybe attached to the viewing channel by any suitable method.) If more thanone reticule is provided, and if the reticules are in separate, parallelplanes orthogonal to the viewing channel, then the reticules may be usedin place of the ring sights.

The ring sights assist a user to align the user's line of sight with theviewing axis. When the rings appear concentric in the user's field ofview, the user is looking directly along the viewing axis. The user thencenters an object within the viewing channel so that the user's line ofsight and the viewing axis are directed at the object along the sameline. Thus, the ring sights assist the user to correctly orient thedevice.

The ring sights may have different shapes, such as concentricrectangles, concentric polygons or concentric amorphous shapes.Preferably, all of the ring sights in a single device have the sameshape. Instead of using rings, the device may be provided with two ormore lines that are parallel to the viewing axis and parallel to eachother. The user aligns the viewing axis with the user's line of sightwhen the lines appear as points in the user's field of vision. Likewise,the device may be provided with rifle-like sights along one lineparallel to the viewing axis. In this case, the user aligns the viewingaxis with the user's line of sight when the sights lie along the sameline in the user's field of vision.

Referring now to FIG. 4, incorporated into the COL device 10 are anumber of other components to operate the device as shown in schematicrepresentation 50. In the shown embodiment, a processor 52 integratesthe components which comprise a 3-axis magnetic field sensor 54, a3-axis gravitational field sensor 56, a time keeping device 58, inputdevices 60, a celestial object database 62, illuminating arrows 64, anda display 66, which are arranged in a counterclockwise fashion startingat the top left corner of FIG. 4. In a preferred embodiment of theinvention, the components are incorporated into the housing 16 of theCOL device 10. The 3-axis magnetic field sensor and time keeping devicesare available from a variety of vendors. The 3-axis magnetic sensorcomprises a means for measuring a magnetic field. The 3-axis gravitationsensor comprises a three-axis accelerometer or comprises three separateorthogonal accelerometers, each aligned along one of the threeco-ordinate axes. (The three separate accelerometers need not be exactlyorthogonal. The processor and software can account for variations in theorientations of the accelerometers with respect to each other, thoughpreferably each accelerometer is approximately perpendicular to others.)In either embodiment the 3-axis gravitation sensor comprises a means fordetecting a gravitational field or a means for detecting the nadirangle. Together, the 3-axis magnetic field sensor and the 3-axisgravitation sensor comprise a means for determining the orientation ofthe object locator and together the gravitation and magnetic sensorsproduce orientation data reflecting the orientation of the objectlocator.

The measurement of the orientation at which the device is pointed may bemade more precise by correlating the measured magnetic field to areference measurement or reference model of the Earth's magnetic field.(Available reference measurements or models of the Earth's magneticfield include the Department of Defense World Magnetic Model and theInternational Association of Geomagnetism and Aeronomy InternationalGeomagnetic Reference Field.) Either the reference measurement orreference model provides a reference value for the Earth's magneticfield at a particular place. The device may be provided with a means forperiodically receiving or updating the reference value of the magneticfield, including more up to date coefficients for the model, ifapplicable.

The device processor is programmed to compare the measured magneticfield at a particular location and time to the reference value of theEarth's magnetic field. If the measured magnetic field is different fromthe reference magnetic field by more than a certain amount, then theprocessor is programmed to prompt the user to take corrective action toreduce magnetic interference. For example, the system may prompt theuser to move to a different viewing location to avoid a transmissiontower or a source of ferrous material, such as an iron deposit in theground or a steel car chassis.

Alternatively, the 3-axis gravitation sensor (or 3 orthogonal singleaxis gravitation sensors) and the 3-axis magnetic field sensor can bereplaced with at least two gyroscopes, along with sensors capable ofmeasuring the change in inertia of the gyroscopes. The gyroscopes andinertial sensors comprise a means for measuring the inertia of theobject locator and also comprise a means for determining the orientationof the object locator. Another means for measuring inertia and theorientation of the object locator is an optical inertial measurementdevice. An optical inertial measurement device uses lasers and one ormore beam splitters to create an optical path around the viewing axis ofthe object locator. One end of the light path meets the other end of thelight path at the beam splitter, thereby creating an interferencepattern. As the object locator is moved or rotated, the optical pathchanges. The resulting change in the interference pattern can be used tomeasure the total inertial change of the object locator.

In the case of gyroscopes, the gyroscopes and inertial sensors produceorientation data reflecting the orientation of the object locator. Themeans for measuring inertia is first calibrated using a gravitationalsensor, a magnetic sensor, or manually by the user. Then, as the usermoves the object locator, the gyroscopes feel a force with a vectorproportionate to the direction of movement. This information can be usedto determine in which direction the object locator is pointing. Thus,the object locator can detect both the azimuth angle and the nadirangle. The means for measuring inertia is adapted to provide a processorwith azimuth data representing the azimuth angle and with nadir datarepresenting the nadir angle. The processor then uses both sets of datato calculate the values of right ascension and declination. Together thevalues of right ascension and declination, or the values of the azimuthangle and nadir angle, comprise orientation data. A processor thencompares the orientation data, along with the current time, the currentdate, and the position of the object locator on the Earth, to a databaseof objects in order to identify the object at which the locator ispointed.

In addition, the object locator uses at least one global positioningsatellite system reader to determine the location of the user. Onereader can determine the location of the user. However, the preciseorientation of the user may be determined with two or more readers.Thus, two readers can determine both the azimuth angle and nadir angle.Thus, one embodiment of the object locator replaces the data from themagnetic field sensors and the gravitational field sensors with the datagained from multiple global positioning satellite system readers. In anycase, at least one global positioning satellite system reader comprisesa means for locating the object locator. At least two global positioningsatellite system readers comprise a means for determining theorientation of the object locator and the at least two readers produceorientation data reflecting the orientation of the object locator.

Referring now to FIG. 5 as well, in other embodiments of the invention,a COL device 110 may comprise a portion external to the housing 116comprising one or more of the components, such as the processor 52and/or the database 62 residing in an auxiliary device 180 that is infunctional communication with the remainder of the components. Examplesof suitable auxiliary devices include a personal digital assistant, adesktop computer or a laptop computer; however, embodiments of theinvention are not limited to these examples. Therefore, in embodimentsof the invention, the processor is spaced apart from the housing. Otherembodiments of the invention incorporate the time keeping device 58, theinput devices 60, and/or the display 66 into the auxiliary device 180.Still other embodiments of the invention have multiple auxiliarydevices. It is understood that the term “auxiliary device” in the belowclaims is to be interpreted as encompassing one or more auxiliarydevices.

In another embodiment of the invention, the configuration of the COLdevice 10 may not require the IOI 130 or the switch 132 and the inputand output of data may be accomplished by the auxiliary device 180. Inanother embodiment of the invention, the database 62 may be communicatedto through an information transfer system, such as a network system,connection to another database, via the Internet 182, via a wirelesstelephone, via a cellular phone or via any other means forcommunication. The components in the housing 16 and the auxiliary device180 may be in functional communication through a physical conduit 184capable of data transfer, such as electrical or optical signal transfermedia, or by a process not requiring a physical conduit, such asprocesses utilizing infrared or RF technology, for example.

Referring back to FIG. 4, input devices 60 enable the user to input datainto the processor 52. In the embodiment of the invention shown in FIG.1, the input devices 60 correspond to the IOI switches 38 and the switch32. Other embodiments of the invention may have data input devices ofany suitable type, such as auditory for example, or the data inputdevices may be incorporated into the auxiliary device 180.

The processor 52 is in communication with the celestial object database62 in order to retrieve information, or at least one fact, aboutcelestial objects therefrom. The information in the databases of theembodiments of the invention may differ, but those skilled in the artunderstand the variety of information that may be in the database. Thedatabase 62 may also contain retrievable data for any other suitablepurpose, such as linking a geographical location with a latitude and alongitude coordinate.

The processor 52 analyzes the input from the sensors 54 and 56, thetimekeeping device 58, the input device 60, communicates with thedatabase 62 as required, and outputs information through the arrows 64and the display 66, which corresponds to the IOI display 36 of theembodiment shown in FIG. 1.

The processor 52 receives information from the magnetic field sensor 54and the gravitational field sensor 56 in order to calculate thedirection or vector that the COL device 10 is pointing. The vector is athree dimensional vector relative to the azimuth angle and the nadirangle of the COL device 10. The azimuth angle is the angle, betweenmagnetic north and the device pointing direction. The nadir angle is theangle between straight down into the earth and the device pointingdirection. The azimuth vector is determined using the magnetic fieldsensor 54 and the nadir angle is determined using the gravitationalfield sensor 56. The information from the sensors is processed by theprocessor 52 using means commonly known by those skilled in the art.

The 3-axis gravitational sensor 56 is used to determine the position ofthe nadir angle. The nadir angle is the three dimensional angle betweentwo particular vectors. The first vector is in the direction, which theviewing axis 34 is pointed. The second vector is pointing straight intothe ground, towards the center of mass of the earth. In a preferredembodiment of the invention, the 3-axis gravitational sensor will employa minimum of three individual accelerometers to determine the 3-axisgravitational field vector, although other embodiments of the inventionmay use devices other accelerometers. The accelerometers used must becapable of sensing a static force, in this case the earth'sgravitational force of 1 g. These types of accelerometers are readilyavailable devices offering ample precision to perform this function. Inan embodiment of the invention, the three individual accelerometers areoriented orthogonally (90 degrees) from each other in the x, Y, and Zplanes. Through common geometric calculations the individual readingsfrom the three accelerometers can be combined to yield the nadir angle.

Without at least three accelerometers in the 3-axis gravitational sensor56, in contradistinction to Norton which discloses the use of oneaccelerometer, there can be large errors in the accuracy of the COLdevice 10. These errors would be dependant on what angle the user 12held the COL device 10 and how they oriented the ‘roll’ axis of thedevice. In a device which only uses the earth's magnetic field, and theearth's gravitational field is used to sense orientation, the only wayto avoid these errors is by using 3-axis sensors for measuring themagnetic field and the gravitational field. These errors cannot beignored, as they may easily be larger than one field of view, that wouldrender the COL device 10 useless.

Because the object locator uses at least a three-axis accelerometer, theobject locator may be rotated or twisted around the viewing axis withoutaffecting the accuracy of the device. Thus, the object locator willalways correctly identify an object or direct the user to an objectregardless of whether the user twists or rotates the device about theviewing axis.

Once the direction vector of the COL device 10 is determined, theprocessor 52 uses longitude, latitude, local time and date data of theCOL device 10 to perform a translation of the device direction vectorinto celestial coordinates. In an embodiment of the invention, thelongitude and latitude data is manually input by the user via the inputdevices 60. The longitude and latitude may be in the form ofcoordinates, but may also may be indirectly input by the user 12entering another geographical indicator into the COL device 10, such asa town, county, zip code, portion of a state, state, or region of thecounty, in which case the database 62 or another database contains theinformation to assist in determining the longitude and latitude of thedevice 10. The local time and date may be inputted manually as well, butin a preferred embodiment of the invention, the time keeping device 58inputs this information to the processor 52.

In another embodiment of the invention, the COL device 10 includes aglobal positioning system receiver (not shown) or any other suitabledevice for automatically inputting the longitude, latitude, time anddate information, or portions thereof, to the processor 52.

The processor takes the direction vector information, received from thesensors 54 and 56, the time and date information from the time keepingdevice 58, and the information from the user via the input devices 60.This information is used by the processor 52 to perform a search againstthe database to determine the celestial coordinates of right ascensionand declination to which the viewing axis 34 is pointing. Embodiments ofthe invention have one or numerous functions to perform at this point,as discussed below.

Identification of a Celestial Object.

Referring now to all the figures, the user 12 points the COL device 10to a celestial object 14 whose identification is desired. Morespecifically, the user aligns the center of the viewing portion 40 withthe celestial object 14, such that the viewing axis 34 is aligned withthe object 14. The user activates the switch 32 to input to theprocessor 52 that the object 14 has been located. The processor 52 thenreceives the data from the sensors 54 and 56, the time and locationdata, consults the database 62, and displays on the screen 36 theinformation about the celestial object 14.

Location of a Celestial Object

Another common mode of operation that the COL device 10 supports is tohelp the user 12 locate the celestial object 14 in the sky. For example,if the user 12 wants to know where Saturn is currently located theywould use the “locate” mode. To locate the desired celestial object, theoperator selects Saturn from a list of available objects via the IOI 30.Then, the user 12 views through the COL device 10. The processor 52directs the user to change the orientation of the COL device via theillumination of the arrows 42. For example, if the viewing axis 34 needsto be oriented more vertically and to the left, the arrows 42 in theupper left quadrant of the view portion 40 will light up. Once thedesired celestial object, Saturn, is aligned with the viewing axis 34,all of the arrows 42 will not be illuminated, may blink or the devicemay utilize another suitable device for announcing to the user 12 thatalignment has occurred.

In an embodiment of the invention, the COL device 10 may track theecliptic for the user. An example of an ecliptic is the plane of theearth's orbit as it forms an imaginary arc across the sky duringrotation about the sun. This arc can be traced using the illuminatedarrows 42 as a guide. Further embodiments of the invention may trackpaths of other celestial objects, such as comets and satellites.

Tours of Constellations and Sky Tours

Since many constellations cover large areas of the sky and includemultiple stars, an embodiment of the COL device 10 gives a tour of theconstellation. In an embodiment of the invention, the constellation ischosen and input through the IOI 30. The COL device 10, through thearrows 42 directs the user 12 to align the viewing axis 34 with thebrightest star in the constellation. Once the alignment is achieved andthe COL device 10 indicates it, the user activates the switch 32, andCOL device directs the user to the next brightest star in theconstellation. This process continues until the stars of theconstellation have all been aligned with the viewing axis 34 in a serialfashion, from a current celestial coordinate associated with a currentcelestial object to a next celestial coordinate associated with a nextcelestial object. Similarly, the tour may be performed by sequentiallysighting objects according to a particular pattern of objects. In eithercase, the object locator can trace the shape of a particularconstellation, asterism or other group of objects. Sky tours ofcelestial objects may also be included in an embodiment of theinvention, such as a sky tour of the Zodiac constellations.

The tutorial in the database may contain information for stars andplanets expected to be located with the device, and this information mayinclude astronomical, astrological, or mythological stories fromwell-developed astrological and mythological bodies of information frommany different cultures, such as ancient Greek, Mexican, Chinese,Indian, Babylonian, Egyptian, and North American Indian cultures, oreven new fictional mythologies from science fiction or game databases.To access the astronomical, astrological, or mythological databaseinformation (or correlated information to a given object), a user havingonce located and sighted a star, planet, or other celestial object caninitiate playback of audio data with a simple trigger, and a computerassociated with the device and the database can first determine thecelestial object sighted (from the orientation data), and then activatea switch, such as further activation of switch 32 or activation of anadditional switch so as to initiate audio playback of information in theastrological or mythological database relevant to the celestial objectsighted. The audio playback is accomplished by a speaker or other meansfor playing audio data. Additionally, the trigger may be an automatedtrigger initiated by the devices' alignment on a celestial object ofinterest. Alternatively, the trigger can initiate a video playback ofcorrelated information on a display mounted on the object locator,external to the object locator (if connected to another means fordisplaying video), or within the object locator's viewing axis.

The object locator also can store, in a non-volatile memory unit (suchas a hard drive, compact disk or floppy disk) operably attached to theprocessor, an electronic log of the celestial objects that the user haspreviously viewed. Thus, the user can return to the log at a later timeto view the user's past findings. The user can also use the log to begina sky tour, engage in some other activity and then return to the skytour at a later time. The log includes a variety of information about aparticular object, such as the name of the object, the date and time itwas found and facts about the object. In addition, the device may beprovided with multiple logs for use by multiple users.

Other Modes of Operation

Embodiments of the invention may have several other modes of operationwhich are possible based on the instrumentation in the COL device 10.The COL device 10 may function as a digital compass and display thecompass heading. In an embodiment of the invention, the COL device 10uses both the azimuth and nadir data to compensate for when the COLdevice is not held parallel to the ground.

The COL device 10 may function as an elevation angle instrument, anddisplay the elevation angle. The COL device 10 may display the celestialcoordinates to which it is pointed. This last mode of operation isuseful for an astronomer who has the celestial coordinates of an object(from a table or chart) which is not already in the device's database.The COL device 10 may display the date and time in various timestandards including local, UT or GMT times.

In other embodiments of the invention, the COL device 10 may perform aseries of compensations to improve the accuracy of the instrument. Theseinclude but are not limited to: procession (earth axis wobble), earthelongation (earth not completely circular), magnetic variation(difference between true north pole and magnetic north pole), parallax(error in celestial coordinates due to earth orbit), and nutation (earthaxis “nodding” on processional circle). Embodiments of the invention mayinclude a temperature sensor for thermal error compensation of themagnetic and gravitational sensor arrays. The processor may compensatefor unstable shaky hands of the operator in some embodiments of theinvention.

In addition, the system allows the user to further increase the accuracyof the object location device. In some cases the device will prompt theuser that the user has sighted a particular object, even if the objectis not completely centered along the viewing axis of the device. (Thiserror may be systematic; for example, objects consistently appear leftof center when the system determines that the objects are sighted.)Whatever the source of error, the user prompts the processor that theuser is about to calibrate the device. For example, the user presses thebutton 32 twice in rapid succession. The user then manually changes theorientation of the device until the object is centered along the viewingaxis. The processor records the change in the orientation of the device.The user then prompts the processor that that the object has beencentered. (For example, the user presses the button 32 once after theobject has been centered.)

The device stores the change in orientation and uses the stored data tocorrect subsequent observations of the same or different objects. Inaddition, the user may further calibrate the device by observing anumber of objects and correcting the orientation of the device for eachobject observed. The device stores each correction and uses the totalstored data set of all corrections to continually improve the accuracyof the device. This process of user correction may be referred to asnudge calibration. In other words, the processor corrects the measuredorientation of the object locator (or the means for viewing) based onsmall changes in device orientation made by the user.

The device is also provided with a means for resetting the orientationof the device (such as a “reset” button connected to the processor).When the means for resetting is activated, the device erases all changesin device orientation that were made by the user. The device thenre-calibrates itself based on the measured values of the magnetic fieldand the gravitational field.

The accuracy of the object locator may be further increased by usingdata from one sensor when that sensor is in its most sensitiveorientation. This can be most readily explained by showing theinteraction of two sensors fixed at an angle (usually 90 degrees) toeach other. When the first sensor is oriented in its most sensitiveposition and the second sensor is in its least sensitive position, theprocessor only uses data from the first sensor.

For example, one type sensor is most sensitive when it is parallel tothe ground. The first sensor is oriented parallel to the ground and thesecond sensor is oriented perpendicular to the ground. The first sensoris in its most sensitive orientation and the second sensor is in itsleast sensitive orientation. To determine the angle that these sensorsare oriented relative to the ground, the processor will use the firstsensor (in this example). As the user rotates this sensor set away fromthe ground such that the first sensor eventually passes an angle of 45degrees relative to the ground, and the second sensor is now less than45 degrees from parallel with the ground, the processor then uses thesecond sensor because the second sensor is in a more sensitiveorientation than the first sensor.

Although the angle between these two sensors is mechanically fixed, thealignment of the sensors with respect to each other is usually notperfect. However, any alignment differences (away from 90 degrees inmost cases) can be corrected with software by knowing the deviation inthe mounting angle of the sensors.

In the case of a three axis system, the processor will be capable ofdetermining and utilizing the most sensitive sensor between any of thethree sets of two sensors (x/y, x/z & y/z). Similarly, any mountingmisalignment of these sensors (usually from true perpendicular) can becompensated for.

In another example, a first accelerometer is oriented along the “x”axis, which is initially parallel to the ground, a second accelerometeris oriented along the “y” axis, which is initially also parallel to theground, and a third accelerometer is oriented along the “z” axis, whichis initially perpendicular to the ground (up and down). The “x,” “y,”and “z” axes are orthogonal to each other. Most accelerometers are mostsensitive when the accelerometer is oriented perpendicular to thedirection of gravity (the direction of gravity is along the “z” axis inthis particular case). Because the first and second accelerometers(along the “x” and “y” axes) are oriented perpendicular to gravity, thefirst and second accelerometers are most sensitive, meaning that theprocessor will collect acceleration data from either the first or thesecond accelerometer. The processor will ignore data from the thirdaccelerometer when determining the orientation of the object locator.The processor may also collect data from both the first and secondaccelerometers and then combine the acceleration data when determiningthe orientation of the object locator (or determine the object locator'sorientation with each accelerometer and then combine the twoorientations to determine the final orientation of the object locator).

This same process may be used with respect to all three axes as theobject locator is turned about any given axis. The processor will useacceleration data from whichever accelerometer is most sensitivelyoriented with respect to gravity at any given time. Similarly, theprocessor may use acceleration data from any two or from all threeaccelerometers, calculate the orientation of the device using therespective sets of data and combine the data or the calculatedorientation to determine the estimated actual orientation of the viewingaxis of the object locator. In addition, a similar method may be usedfor accelerometers that are most sensitive when oriented parallel withgravity or oriented along any predetermined angle with respect togravity.

A similar method may be used with respect to the magnetic sensors. Ifmultiple magnetic sensors are used, with each sensor being moresensitive in a particular orientation, then the processor may selectfrom which magnetic sensor the processor will collect data to determinethe azimuth angle. Similarly, software may account for any errors causedby misalignment of the magnetic sensors.

An embodiment of the device may enable the database 62 to be updatedwith new information concerning celestial objects and the currentmagnetic pole location. This would be particularly useful for trackingartificial satellites where orbital elements can change based on missionrequirements, for example, the Mir space station, the InternationalSpace Station, and the Hubble Space Telescope. This would also be usefulfor newly launched artificial satellites placed in orbit after the unitis in the field. For example, the Space Shuttle: This would also beuseful for newly discovered celestial objects like comets and asteroids.Adding information about these celestial objects to the database may beaccomplished by user entry, through an expansion chip or another type ofplug-in module, or electronically, for example downloading from anothercomputer through direct connection, over a telephone line, or viaanother type of information transfer system, such as a network or theInternet. For example, a modem port would allow the device to plug intothe phone system, call a number, and update the database and magneticnorth pole position online after the device was fielded. In anotherexample, a wired or wireless connection to the internet or otherinformation network would allow the user to download information about aparticular star not initially in the locator's database or about aconstellation of stars on a real time basis. Moreover, in conjunctionwith a telescope or binoculars, the internet connection may expand thelocator's database; thus allowing the locator to find or identifyobjects difficult or impossible to see with the naked eye (such asfainter stars, comets, the space station, deep sky objects, orgeographical locations on the moon).

Other embodiments of the invention, the COL device 10 would either comewith astronomy tutorials in the database 62, in another database, in aplug-in module, downloadable from another computer either directly, overthe telephone lines, or via another type of information transfer system,such as a network or the Internet. Thus, the database could be locatedpartially or completely external to the device and accessed in real timeduring operation. In a similar fashion, downloadable constellation toursand sky tours may also be available in some embodiments of theinvention.

In another embodiment of the invention, the COL device 10 could includecalculations well known to those skilled in the art for notifying theoperator of the next naked eye viewing opportunity for artificialsatellites. For example the user could choose the International SpaceStation, then the COL device 10 could inform them of the next time theInternational Space Station would be visible with the naked eye.

In another embodiment of the invention, the COL device 10 may include areflex viewer which would superimpose an illuminated reticule anddirection indicators in the viewing area, allowing for the user 12 tohold the device further out from the eye. This would also prevent theuser from observing through the viewing channel 46 too far off parallelto the viewing axis 34.

The COL device 10 is not limited to being of a hand-held size and thereare many possible interpretations of hand-held size. In addition the COLdevice 10 may function on a much larger or smaller scale so the scope ofthe embodiments of the invention should not be limited to that of ahand-held size.

In alternative embodiments of the invention, the COL device 10 may haveother input/output devices, other switches, other locations thereof, andmany variations thereof, for example in number, arrangement, size, andtype, including options wherein there are no input/output devices orswitches on the housing 16. Non-limiting examples of such input/outputdevices naturally include telescopes, binoculars, or other means forviewing objects. Any input/output device may be mounted on the objectlocator, the object locator may be mounted on the input/output device,the object locator may be electrically or otherwise physically connectedto the input/output device, or the object locator may be connected tothe input/output device via a wired or wireless connection.

In another embodiment of the invention, a viewer or reflex viewer couldbe located outside the housing 16 in such a manner so as the user 12 maystill sight parallel to the viewing axis.

In addition, a plurality of object locators, comprising student or slavedevices, may be connected either by a cable or a wireless connection toa single object locator, comprising a teacher or master device. Theorientation of the teacher device is relayed to the student devices,thus the student devices can point to the same object at which theteacher device is pointed. Note that it is possible to include adatabase only with the teacher device, thus reducing the expense of thestudent devices.

Another version of the device can be used as a means for locating a useron the Earth. In this embodiment the device does not have a globalpositioning satellite system reader and is thus less expensive. The userpoints the object locator at several known stars. The orientationinformation is then fed to the processor in tandem with the time anddate. The processor then calculates, by triangulation, the currentposition of the user on the Earth.

Note that the object locator is capable of identifying non-celestialobjects. For example, the object locator can use a database representinga topographical map. Thus, when the user points the locator at anobject, such as a mountain peak, the locator identifies the object andmay announce various facts about the object such as the object's heightor name. In addition, the object locator can announce the currentposition of the user either on a particular map or on the Earth.

The object locator may be provided with games to amuse users of thedevice. For example, players may engage in a race to find one or moreobjects in the least amount of time (similar to a scavenger hunt), tofind one or more objects within a particular time (suitable for singleplayer games) or to find the greatest number of objects in a particulartime. An example of a game would be to trace the constellation Geminiwith the object locator in the least amount of time. The object locatorstores and displays the pertinent information needed for the race, suchas the names of the players, the time to find each object, the overalltime to find all of the objects in a set of objects or the number ofobjects found. The object locator stores and displays player scores andcan track scores over time. Thus, a player may check the current highestscore or the scoring history of a particular player. The games may beplayed sequentially with one object locator or simultaneously withmultiple, connected object locators.

Nearly every embodiment of the object location device described hereinis capable of being operated by the end user immediately upon purchasingthe device. The user merely acquires the device, provides it with powerand begins finding objects. All necessary calibration is performedduring manufacturing, so the user need not become frustrated with theprocess of calibrating the device. Where further precision is desired,the user may further calibrate the device to further increase theaccuracy of the device. (For example, even untrained users can easilyperform nudge calibration to increase the accuracy of the device.)

While the above description contains many specifics, these should not beconstrued as limitations on the scope of the device, but rather as anexemplification of one preferred embodiment thereof many othervariations are possible. Thus, while the preferred embodiments of thedevices and methods have been described in reference to the environmentin which they were developed, they are merely illustrative of theprinciples of the inventions. Other embodiments and configurations maybe devised without departing from the spirit of the inventions and thescope of the appended claims.

1. A device for viewing from a location at a time and date, said devicecomprising: a. viewing means to observe along a viewing axis defined bya first angle and a second angle; b. a processor; c. a 3-axis magneticsensor adapted to provide the processor with a first set of datarepresenting the first angle; d. a 3-axis gravitational sensor adaptedto provide the processor with a second set of data representing thesecond angle; e. location means for providing location data representingthe location to the processor; f. time means for providing time and datedata representing the time and date to the processor; and g. a databaseadapted to be accessed by the processor and provide data such that theprocessor can determine the coordinates of right ascension anddeclination corresponding to the viewing axis based on the first set ofdata, the second set of data, the location data, and the time and datedata.
 2. The device of claim 1 wherein the viewing means is adapted tobe held in a human hand.
 3. The device of claim 1 wherein the viewingmeans is mounted on a telescope. 4 The device of claim 1 wherein theviewing means is mounted on binoculars.
 5. The device of claim 1 whereinthe viewing means further comprises a means for communication.
 6. Thedevice of claim 5 wherein the means for communication comprises awireless telephone. 7 The device of claim 5 wherein the means forcommunication comprises a cellular telephone. 8 The device of claim 1wherein the processor is further programmed to correct errors in thedetermined coordinates, wherein said errors are caused by misalignmentof a sensor selected from the group consisting of the 3-axis magneticsensor, the 3-axis gravitational sensor and a combination thereof. 9.The device of claim 1 wherein: the 3-axis gravitational sensor comprisesa first accelerometer having a first orientation, a second accelerometerhaving a second orientation and a third accelerometer having a thirdorientation; each accelerometer measures acceleration along eachaccelerometer's orientation; each of the accelerometers is orientedapproximately perpendicular to the other two accelerometers; and eachaccelerometer is operably connected to the processor. 10 The device ofclaim 9 wherein the processor is further programmed to correct errors inthe second set of data, wherein said errors are caused by misalignmentof an accelerometer selected from the group consisting of the firstaccelerometer, second accelerometer and third accelerometer.
 11. Thedevice of claim 9 wherein: the first accelerometer is most sensitivewhen the first accelerometer is pointed in a predetermined direction;the second accelerometer is most sensitive when the second accelerometeris pointed in the predetermined direction; the third accelerometer ismost sensitive when the third accelerometer is pointed in thepredetermined direction; the second set of data comprises datadetermined from an accelerometer selected from the group consisting ofthe first accelerometer, the second accelerometer and the thirdaccelerometer; and the processor is programmed to select theaccelerometer from which the second set of data will be determined basedon which accelerometer is most closely pointed in the predetermineddirection.
 12. A method of identifying an object observed from adistance, said method comprising the steps of: providing a device forviewing from a location at a time and date, said device comprising: a.viewing means to observe along a viewing axis defined by a first angleand a second angle; b. a processor; c. a 3-axis magnetic sensor adaptedto provide the processor with a first set of data representing the firstangle; d. a 3-axis gravitational sensor adapted to provide the processorwith a second set of data representing the second angle; e. locationmeans for providing location data representing the location to theprocessor; f. time means for providing time and date data representingthe time and date to the processor; g. a database adapted to be accessedby the processor and provide data such that the processor can determinethe coordinates of right ascension and declination corresponding to theviewing axis based on the first set of data, the second set of data, thelocation data, and the time and date data, said database also containingdata representing the expected values of right ascension and declinationof a plurality of objects when the plurality of objects are observedfrom a particular location at a particular time and on a particulardate, said database also containing data representing at least one factregarding each of the plurality of objects; h. a means for conveying theat least one fact to a user, said means for conveying operably connectedto the processor; pointing the viewing axis at an object to beidentified; measuring the first angle and the second angle of theviewing axis; determining the time and the date and determining thelocation of the viewing means; determining the values of right ascensionand declination of the viewing axis based on the first angle and thesecond angle; comparing the values of right ascension, declination, thelocation of the viewing means, the time and the date with correspondingvalues in the database of the expected right ascension and the expecteddeclination of the plurality of objects at the location, time and date;selecting an object in the database that has an expected right ascensionand an expected declination that most closely matches the correspondingdetermined values of right ascension and declination; and conveying tothe user at least one fact regarding the selected object.
 13. The methodof claim 12 wherein the step of conveying to the user at least one factcomprises conveying to the user the name of the selected object.
 14. Themethod of claim 12 wherein the step of providing a device furthercomprises providing a switch operably connected to the viewing means anda display operably connected to the viewing means, and wherein themethod further comprises the steps of: after selecting an object,storing the orientation of the viewing means; changing the orientationof the viewing means to a second orientation; and displaying the atleast one fact on the display.
 15. The method of claim 14 wherein thestep of storing the orientation of the viewing means is accomplished byactuating the switch.
 16. A method of finding an object located adistance from a user, said method comprising the steps of: providing adevice for viewing from a location at a time and date, said devicecomprising: a. viewing means to observe along a viewing axis defined bya first angle and a second angle; b. a processor; c. a 3-axis magneticsensor adapted to provide the processor with a first set of datarepresenting the first angle; d. a 3-axis gravitational sensor adaptedto provide the processor with a second set of data representing thesecond angle; e. location means for providing location data representingthe location to the processor; f. time means for providing time and datedata representing the time and date to the processor; g. a databaseadapted to be accessed by the processor and provide data such that theprocessor can determine the coordinates of right ascension anddeclination corresponding to the viewing axis based on the first set ofdata, the second set of data, the location data, and the time and datedata, said database also containing data representing the expectedvalues of right ascension and declination of a plurality of objects whenthe plurality of objects are observed from a particular location at aparticular time and on a particular date; providing to the processor theidentity of an object that the user desires to find; selecting, with theprocessor, the expected right ascension and expected declination of theviewing axis that is needed to align the viewing axis with the objectwhen the viewing means is at a particular place on a particular date ata particular time; prompting the user to change the direction in whichthe viewing means is pointed towards the selected values of rightascension and declination; prompting the user that the viewing axis isaligned with the object when the viewing axis and the object are alignedwith each other. 17 The method of claim 16 wherein the step of providinga device further comprises providing a device having a databasecontaining data representing at least one fact regarding each of theplurality of objects and a means for conveying the at least one fact toa user, said means for conveying operably connected to the processor,wherein the method further comprises the step of: announcing to the userat least one fact regarding the object when the viewing axis is alignedwith the object.
 18. The method of claim 17 wherein the step ofannouncing to the user at least one fact comprises announcing the nameof the object.